Harbison and Wardrop Recognized for Excellence at WSU Spokane

SPOKANE, Wash. – Joyce Harbison, principal assistant for the Department of Pharmacotherapy and Kristie Wardrop, program coordinator for the Interdisciplinary Design Institute have been selected by their peers for 2006-2007 Employee Excellence Awards in recognition for their outstanding contributions to the WSU Spokane campus and the greater Spokane community.

Harbison, who has been with WSU Spokane for six years,  was described by faculty as the glue or backbone of the pharmacotherapy department. She was presented with the Administrative Professional Staff Excellence Award. A graduate of Flathead Valley Community College, she holds an Associate of Applied Sciences degree in Secretarial Studies.

“It is through her efforts that Pharmacotherapy has been successful in moving the business of the department forward in concert with the strategic plan,” said Linda Garrelts MacLean, clinical associate professor and chair of the College of Pharmacy.

“She is incredibly well-organized and skilled at all jobs,” said William Fassett, professor, College of Pharmacy. “She works to make sure things turn out well – just as they were planned – no matter what happens.”

“Her impact is so broad and deep,” said Brenda Bray, clinical assistant professor, College of Pharmacy. “She’s why things happen efficiently and why it presents so well to other departments, the community and potential students. She is so valuable—I can hardly put words to it.”

Wardrop, presented with the Civil Service Staff Excellence Award, has been with WSU Spokane for seven years. She is known for her “can-do” attitude and cheerful demeanor. Wardrop graduated from Eastern Washington University this year with a bachelor of arts in English with emphasis in creative writing. She is a member of the Riverpoint Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) community, is on the Parking Board of Appeals, and volunteers for the Relay for Life.

“Kristie deals with a variety of people from a variety of backgrounds,” said Fred Peterson, professor of Leadership and Professional Studies. “The fact that she does this not only efficiently, but with unfailing cheerfulness is remarkable.”

“She always displays an attitude of being willing to help,” said Clifton Barber, campus academic director for Leadership and Professional Studies. “’May I help you’ is not just a behavior tagline she displays out of a sense of duty; rather, this welcoming posture is part of her character and is sincere.”

“Her personality is the key to her success,” said Nancy Blossom, campus academic director for the Interdisciplinary Design Institute. “She is loved by all the students, supportive of the faculty, and makes all people feel warm and welcome—a great first impression for WSU.”
 
Spokane Teachers Credit Union (STCU) sponsored the annual award, which was presented at the WSU Spokane Fall Kickoff. Wardrop and Harbison each received an engraved plaque, an STCU gift basket and a check for $1,000.

Web sites:
WSU Spokane: www.spokane.wsu.edu
Spokane Teachers Credit Union:  https://www.stcu.org/

Joyce Harbison (l) and Kristie Wardrop receive the congratulations of WSU Spokane Chancellor Brian Pitcher upon being named recipients of 2006-2007 Employee Excellence Awards.